Special Topics
The Personal Preparation for a Peaceful Death
Photo credit: Jean Li A philosopher once said that human beings are being-towards-death. As stated in the Agama Sutra, "Disasters, aging, illness, and death are what often leave sentient beings in torment." No one knows which will arrive first: tomorrow or death. Although we cannot control our lifespan, we can actively create depth and value within our lives. When a life meets its end, it marks the start of a new journey. Before embarking on t...
Have you prepared your spiritual provisions for a lone journey toward death?
When we are born into this world, we come alone; and when our time is due, we die alone. The difference lies in the responsibilities we have fulfilled and the value we have created during our lifetime. When our life reaches its end, we can still let go in a positive and wholesome way, without regrets. By arranging what needs to be done in advance, such as making an advance health care directive, preparing a will, and establishing ourselves in our faith, we will be able to take care of ourselv...
Perspectives on Life and Death Three Principles for Managing Living and Dying to Live out as Summer Flowers and Decease as Autumn Leaves
With the advent of an era of aged and super-aged society, everyone, whether married or not, with or without children, must prepare themselves for solitary death. We should manage our living and dying by thinking through the relations between hospice/elder care and community. Although we must travel alone on our way to the afterlife, we will not be bothered by loneliness. Photo credit: Wang Yu-fa (王育發) Original Chinese text by Ven. Hui Min (惠敏法師, Former President of Dharma Dru...
Hearing the Dharma at the End of Life and Practicing Regularly
Original Chinese text by Prof. Aming Tu (杜正民, Former Vice President of Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts) As depicted in the Sutra 1023 of the Saṃyukta-āgama, Venerable Phagguna was suffering from a serious illness at Mṛgāramātuḥ prāsāda in Eastern Park and might not have much time left. When Ānanda found out about it, he informed the Buddha and asked him to comfort Phagguna. After meditating that afternoon, the Buddha visited Phagguna in Eastern Park and imparted the Dharma to him....
At the Scene of Life and Death–Taking Refuge in the Dharma for Peace of Mind of Both the Living and the Departed
Ven. Chang Jer (常哲法師), who frequently visits hospitals and funerals to offer loving care to people, has profound insights into the fact that "matters of life and death are critical, unpredictable, and ever-present." Therefore, everyone should develop faith in religion as their spiritual sustenance as early as possible. By properly preparing in advance for end-of-life prospects, both the living and the departed can find peace. Photo credit: Fan Lee (李東陽) Original Chine...
[The Bucket List] Travel Light and Prepare for the Journey Ahead
Life's train will eventually arrive at the station of death, where all the wealth, health, and relationships accumulated over a lifetime will be left behind. Pack your essentials, reflect on your life, and bid a proper farewell. Or perhaps, book your next journey—to the Pure Land for further learning. In the face of life's impermanence, you can still live with true freedom! Original Chinese text by Chiang Yin-chih (江胤芝) The Japanese ...